Okracast: Debbie Holt of Clyde Cooper's Barbecue in Raleigh

This oral history will soon be added to the Southern BBQ Trail archives. In the
meantime, find more information on The Barbecue Bus
blog, where the following rundown on the place also appears.

"Preservation. It’s on the menu at Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue
in downtown Raleigh. Preservation, along with chopped, sliced, and coarse ‘cue;
ribs, fried chicken, and Brunswick stew; and more varieties of fried pork skins
than there are toes on a pig's foot.

Clyde Cooper opened his place on New Years‘ Day 1938 and ran it
for a half-century. The building that houses the joint dates back to 1884. But
developers aim to erect a multistory apartment building on its Davie Street
foundation. Downtown Raleigh is being re-imagined, rebuilt, and repopulated.
Gentrification comes at many a price, and Clyde Cooper’s might any day utter
its last squeal.

Present owners Debbie and Randy Holt have taken up the fight to
preserve culinary and architectural history. They'd rather buy the crumbling
brick structure than relocate. Preservation, Debbie says, “Ain't all about the
money. It’s about saving it for people and generations to come.” Defend Clyde
Cooper’s Barbecue. Eat it to save it."

Want to explore North Carolina barbecue with SFA? Watch out for details on the summer field trip.